Oh man, have I been duped! I was so happy when I got my hands on a Hermès Birkin bag, but as I tried to show off to my friends on the street, it was immediately obvious to them that my “luxury” bag was a fake. I was embarrassed and frustrated; it was such a bummer! How could I have been so silly – without even doing a bit of research, getting taken in by a convincing fake?
But don’t worry, this definitely won’t happen to you: I’ll help you learn from my mistake, by sharing the tips & tricks I stumbled upon when trying to figure out how to spot a fake Hermes Birkin bag. So listen up—this is important!
The first, and most important advice, is to always only purchase your Hermès bag from an official Hermès storefront or an authorised reseller. Deep-pocketed counterfeiting networks have become so expertly adept at replicating Hermès bags, that only buying from a verified source can guarantee authenticity.
It’s also key to look closely at the material; Hermès bags are made from the finest leather, and it should always be luxuriously thick and soft to the touch. It shouldn’t feel cheap, or have an artificial smell or discolouration.
Pay close attention to the stitching as well—all stitching should be precise, neat, and consistent across the bag. Any imperfections, fraying, or uneven line of stitching should immediately raise suspicion, and you should look for another bag.
The logos and other branding items should also be checked. A good way to authenticate the brand logo is to check the colour; the engraved Hermes logo should have a polished, cool silver colour. Additionally, the font should be consistent, neat and evenly sized.
A lot of fake Hermes bags have logos that are off-center or not the correct size, or they feature an indiscernible version of the Hermes font; so be sure to check these details, and don’t forget to inspect the bag’s interior pockets, where the Hermès stamp should also be correctly in place.
It’s also always a good idea to check the hardware; Hermes bags have hardware that features intricate detailing and high quality craftsmanship. The zippers should be well-machined, with a unique “H” logo design. The metal should be of a high-polished finish and smooth finish, not rough and “cheap” feeling.
Another thing to consider is the dust cover; inspect it carefully for cut, fabric quality, colour, and texture. A real Hermès dust cover should be thick, strong, and properly embossed with the Hermès logo.
Finally, always check the price; a real Hermès Birkin bag has a hefty price tag, and if you find one that seems too cheap, it’s likely a fake. It’s better to be safe than sorry – an expensive lesson I learned the hard way!